Why We Don't Use an
Underwater Treadmill
(And why your dog doesn't need one to recover well)
Rehabilitation is about purposeful movement — not equipment.
At Nimble Paws, we focus on precision, not props.
THE MISCONCEPTION
Underwater treadmills often look impressive, but they aren’t always the right choice.
They can be a useful tool — particularly for dogs needing gentle, low-impact exercise early after surgery or injury — yet they’re not essential for recovery in every case.
​
At Nimble Paws, treatment plans are guided by your pet’s individual needs, not by the availability of a particular device.
We consider the dog’s condition, comfort, and stage of healing before choosing the most effective approach.
Different tools, same goal — recovery.
WHY WE DON'T USE AN
UNDERWATER TREADMILL?
We believe in active, functional recovery — movement that translates into real-world ability. While underwater treadmills reduce impact on joints, the buoyancy of water also changes how dogs bear weight and activate muscles. Because of this, not all patients gain the same carry-over to land movement once they’re out of the water.
At Nimble Paws, we rely on land-based rehabilitation, including use of a land treadmill when appropriate. It allows us to:
-
Maintain natural gait patterns and muscle engagement
-
Adjust speed, incline, and duration to match ability and progress
-
Provide real-time feedback and correction for symmetry, balance, and control
​
Our goal isn’t simply to build endurance — it’s to restore strength, coordination, and confidence in daily life.
OUR APPROACH
Rehabilitation designed for real-life movement.​
All rehabilitation plans are guided by our NIMBLE™ Clinical Assessment Framework, ensuring each exercise targets the right muscles, joints, and movement patterns.
We combine:
-
Manual therapy to restore mobility
-
Neuromuscular re-education to rebuild coordination
-
Targeted strengthening and balance work
-
Owner-guided home exercises to maintain progress
This structured, evidence-based approach helps dogs regain lasting control and resilience where it matters most — on solid ground.
​
Every movement matters.
